CHINA’S AWAKENING

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1931, Page 7

CHINA’S AWAKENING

NATIONAL CONSOLIDATION.

GOVERNMENT’S GREAT TASK.

The awakening and consolidation of China under the National Government was reviewed by Dr. T. Z. Koo, vicepresident of the World Christian Student Federation, in an address to members at the Auckland Rotary Club luncheon on Monday. Signs of a new phase in the affairs of China were beginning to make themselves evident this year, said Dr. Koo. Since the establishment of the Republic in 1812 three phases had manifested themselves. The first, a stage of transition, covered the period from 1912 to 1925; the second, in which efforts were made to establish a central Government, lasted from 1925 to 1930; and the third, which the country had entered upon now, was a process of settling down. The Republic had found itself burdened in its early days with the vast ramifications of the Imperial Government, and the new leaders had to contend with a great number of people who wished to retain the posts and rank they had enjoyed under the old regime. It took the Republic several years to eliminate this element, and the movement came to a close-with the removal of the capital from Peking to Nanking. Very little work of reconstruction could be undertaken in this first period, but having established a definite break from the imperialism of Peking they were able to enter a new phase and attempt to evolve a definite centre of Government. At first the Central Government controlled only two of the 23 provinces, but in spite of the scepticism in some quarters this Government reflected, the wishes of the people and faced the task of extending its jurisdiction.

The Government -decided to take control of the individual armies and after combining them to reduce them. It also decided to reorganise the system of taxation. The army leaders agreed to this at a conference, but they objected when the time came to put the proposals into effect. As a result a clash occurred between them and the National Government. This took place last year, and it marked the most critical period of the Government’s existence. The Government triumphed, however, and since then had become more settled. It was now accepted as the mouthpiece of the people, as was evidenced by the present attitude toward China of the Britifh. Government. ’• * Steps had been taken to evolve a constitution acceptable to all parties in China and to prepare the people for citizenship under democratic rule. When the results of these efforts had been seen it would bo possible to decide what would best suit the people. .The material reconstruction of China also had been undertaken, said Dr. Koo. So great was the scope for development and the exploitation of skill that several foreign countries had sent Commissions to China to study the country with a view to extending their markets. Education was a problem that had been tackled, but in spite of good work accomplished they still had a long way to go. The real life of China and the true mind of the people was nowhere, more evident than in the clubs and kindred organisations which had been established? In her relations with foreign countries China sought treaties based on reciprocity and equality and she was pleased that other countries were now negotiating with her on that basia. Formerly they had had unequal treaties which were very aptly described by we phrase, “Heads I win, tails you lose. However, there remained the vital aspect of personal relationships. Treaties with foreign countries could foster better personal relationships, which were essential toa full understanding. The work of bringing about this desirable state of affairs was in their own hands as individuals.